April 15

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it) and jumped into the sea. — John 21:7 BSB

The character of John in his later years has been compared to an extinct volcano. Where once there was a gaping crater, there is now a peaceful, cup-like hollow filled with clear water, reflecting the heavens above and surrounded by flowers. This is a fitting parable for the apostle John. Naturally passionate and fiery, capable of the deepest emotions, he was transformed by grace into a figure of calm grandeur, with a soul large and deep, adorned with the gentleness and grace of Christ. Imagine him as a man with a noble face that commands respect and yet so sweet that children would run to him for a blessing. This is a true picture of the apostle of love.

What caused this transformation in John? It was his close relationship with Christ. The clay, in contact with the rose, absorbed its fragrance. John leaned on Jesus’ bosom, and the love of Christ passed into John’s soul and changed him. That was the secret of John’s sanctification.